10 free agent signings that would most impact the Texas Rangers

2. Marcus Stroman

This may come as a surprise given Stroman isn’t talked about too much amongst the Texas Rangers faithful, but it shouldn’t be surprising.

The primary focus has been on, and rightfully so, Clayton Kershaw, but perhaps more love should go Marcus’ way.

Stroman will turn 31 in the early part of the 2022 seasons, so he wouldn’t be a young signing but he could be incredibly impactful. He’s looking for a five year/ $25 million AAV contract, and with the current starting pitching market pace, he could get close. It would be worth looking at him given his strong track record of success, durability and competitiveness. In 2021 he made 33 starts pitching to the tune of a 3.02 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP and 7.9 K/9. The average strike out rate may not seem like a high priced pitchers, but that’s because he’s elite about keeping the ball on the ground. Throughout his career he’s managed a 57.1% GB rate. In 2021 he allowed only 17 home runs in 179 innings. In comparison to a current rotation candidate, Kolby Allard allowed 29 home runs through 124.2 innings.

Keeping the ball in the park could play very well with the excellent defense the Rangers will deploy in ’22. Marcus Stroman’s only All-Star game was in 2019, but he could be on the verge of many more.